Sample processing apparatus and sample processing method

ABSTRACT

A sample processing apparatus comprising: an aspiration section for aspirating a sample from a sample container; a sample container take-out/returning section for taking out a sample container containing a sample from a sample rack holding a plurality of sample containers, and for returning the sample container, from which the sample has been aspirated, to the sample rack; a sample processing section for processing the aspirated sample; a transport section for transporting the sample rack to a take-out position for taking out the sample container from the sample rack; and a transport controller for controlling the transport section to transport the sample rack to a processing position for performing a predetermined process on another sample container held by the sample rack when one sample container has been taken out from the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section is disclosed. A sample processing method is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus and asample processing method, which transports a sample rack holding aplurality of sample containers, and processes the samples contained inthe sample containers.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, as a sample processing apparatus for processing samples,a multiple blood cell analyzing apparatus, a blood coagulation measuringapparatus, an immune assay analyzing apparatus, a biochemical analyzingapparatus, a urine analyzing apparatus, and a blood cell smear slidepreparing apparatus have been known. Most sample processing apparatusesare configured to be provided with a transport section for transportinga sample rack holding plural sample containers, aspirates the samplesfrom the sample containers held by the sample rack transported by thetransport section, and processes the samples.

Japanese Patent Publication No. H5-072212 discloses an automaticanalyzing apparatus which includes a reaction disk in which pluralreaction containers are provided on a concentric circumference, and areagent disk in which plural reagent bottles containing various reagentsare provided on a concentric circle.

In the automatic analyzing apparatus, a sample dispensing probe, areagent dispensing probe, a stirring apparatus, a cleaning apparatus, alight source, and a multi-wave-length photometer are disposed on theperipheral of the reaction disk and the reagent disk. In addition, arack transport apparatus is provided on a rotation circumference of thesample dispensing probe and along a tangential direction of the reactiondisk, and a rack number reading apparatus and a sample ID readingapparatus are disposed along a transport line of the rack transportapparatus.

The sample rack holding the sample container containing sample istransported on the transport line by the rack transport apparatus.During transport, the rack number of the sample rack is read by the racknumber reading apparatus. Next, the ID number of the sample containerheld by the sample rack is read. Thereafter, the sample rack istransported by the rack transport apparatus until the sample containerheld by the sample rack reaches the position under the sample dispensingprobe, and a predetermined amount of the sample in the sample containeris dispensed into a reaction container by the sample dispensing probe.When the dispensing from one sample container is completed, the samplerack is transported by the rack transport apparatus such that the nextsample container reaches the position under the sample dispensing probe,and the dispensing of the sample is carried out by the sample dispensingprobe.

However, in the automatic analyzing apparatus disclosed in JapanesePatent Publication No. H5-072212, it is difficult to process the samplesefficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appendedclaims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within thissummary.

A first aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatuscomprising: an aspiration section for aspirating a sample from a samplecontainer; a sample container take-out/returning section for taking outa sample container containing a sample which is to be aspirated by theaspiration section from a sample rack holding a plurality of samplecontainers, and for returning the sample container, from which thesample has been aspirated by the aspiration section, to the sample rack;a sample processing section for processing the sample aspirated by theaspiration section; a transport section for transporting the sample rackto a take-out position for taking out the sample container from thesample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section; and atransport controller for controlling the transport section to transportthe sample rack to a processing position for performing a predeterminedprocess on another sample container held by the sample rack when onesample container has been taken out from the sample rack by the samplecontainer take-out/returning section.

A second aspect of the present invention is a sample processing methodcomprising steps of: transporting a sample rack holding a plurality ofthe sample containers, each sample container containing a sample, to atake-out position; taking out a sample container containing a samplewhich is to be aspirated from a sample rack which is positioned at thetake-out position; transporting the sample rack to a processing positionfor performing a predetermined process on another sample container heldby the sample rack when one sample container has been taken out from thesample rack; performing the predetermined process on the another samplercontainer; aspirating the sample from the sample container which hasbeen taken out from the sample rack; processing the aspirated sample;transporting the sample rack to a returning position; and returning thesample container, from which the sample has been aspirated, to thesample rack which is positioned at the returning position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating the entire configuration of asample processing apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating the entire configuration of asample processing apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a samplecontainer;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a samplerack;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of ameasurement unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an outline configuration of anoptical detecting section for detecting WBC/DIFF;

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a sampletransport unit;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a first belt ofa sample transport unit;

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a second beltof a sample transport unit;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of aninformation processing unit according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flowcharts illustrating the flow of a sampletransport controlling process carried out by a CPU of an informationprocessing unit of a sample processing apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a sampleprocessing table;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a sample transportdestination determining process carried out by a CPU of an informationprocessing unit of a sample processing apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a measuring orderobtaining process carried out by a CPU of an information processing unitof a sample processing apparatus;

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of a sampletaking in process carried out by a CPU of an information processing unitof a sample processing apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a sample returningprocess carried out by a CPU of an information processing unit of asample processing apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of a sampletransport unit, a first measurement unit, and a second measurement unitof a sample processing apparatus when a sample rack is put into a sampleprocessing apparatus; and

FIGS. 18A to 18G are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of astate of a sample processing table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

In this embodiment, the sample processing apparatus is provided with afirst measurement unit, a second measurement unit, a sample transportunit, and an information processing unit. The sample processingapparatus transports a sample rack holding plural sample containers bythe sample transport unit, reads a sample bar-code while the samplecontainer is taking in sample measuring of one measurement unit, ortransports the sample rack by the sample transport unit for taking in orreturning by the other measurement unit of the sample container.

[Configuration of Sample Processing Apparatus]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating the entireconfiguration of the sample processing apparatus according to theembodiment. The sample processing apparatus 1 according to theembodiment is a multiple blood cell analyzing apparatus which detectsblood cells, such as the white blood cells, the red blood cells, andplatelets which are included in a blood sample, and counts each bloodcell. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sample processing apparatus 1 isprovided with a first measurement unit 2, a second measurement unit 3, asample transport unit 4, and an information processing unit 5 which cancontrol the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, andthe sample transport unit 4. The sample transport unit 4 is disposed ona front side surface of the first measurement unit 2 and the secondmeasurement unit 3.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the samplecontainer containing the sample. As shown in FIG. 2, the samplecontainer T is formed in a tubular shape, and the upper end is opened. Ablood sample gathered from a patient is contained in the samplecontainer, and the opening on the upper end is sealed by a cap sectionCP. The sample container T is made of a transparent glass or atransparent synthetic resin, so that the blood sample therein isvisible. In addition, the bar-code label BL1 is attached to the sidesurface of the sample container T. A bar-code indicating the sample IDis printed on the bar-code label BL1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the samplerack holding the plural sample containers. As shown in FIG. 3, thesample rack L can arrange and hold 10 sample containers T. Each samplecontainer T is held in a vertical state (upright state) in the samplerack L. In addition, a bar-code label BL2 is attached on the sidesurface of the sample rack L. A bar-code indicating the rack ID isprinted on the bar-code label BL2.

<Configuration of Measurement Unit>

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of themeasurement unit. As shown in FIG. 4, the first measurement unit 2 isdisposed on the upstream side (right side in the paper) in a transportdirection (X direction) of the sample of the sample transport unit 4.The second measurement unit 3 is disposed on the downstream side (leftside in the paper) in the transport direction (X direction). The firstmeasurement unit 2 includes a sample aspirating section 21 whichaspirates blood as the sample from the sample container (bloodcollection tube) T, a sample preparing section 22 which prepares ameasuring sample to be used in measuring of blood components, such asblood cells, from the blood aspirated by the sample aspirating section21, and a detecting section 23 which detects (measures) the blood cellsfrom the measuring sample prepared by the sample preparing section 22.In addition, the first measurement unit 2 further includes a take-inport 24 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) which is used to load the sample containerT accommodated in the sample rack L, which is transported by a racktransport section 43 of the sample transport unit 4, into the firstmeasurement unit 2, and a sample container transport section 25 whichtakes the sample container T from the sample rack L into the firstmeasurement unit 2 and transports the sample container T up to anaspirating position by the sample aspirating section 21.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, an aspiration tube is provided at thetip end of the sample aspirating section 21. In addition, the sampleaspirating section 21 is configured to be able to move vertically anddownward, so that the aspiration tube penetrates into the cap section CPof the sample container T transported to the aspirating position so asto aspirate the blood in the sample container.

The sample preparing section 22 is provided with plural reactionchambers. In addition, the sample preparing section 22 is connected to areagent container, and can supply a reagent, such as a staining reagent,a hemolytic agent, or a diluting fluid, to the reaction chamber. Thesample preparing section 22 is also connected to the aspiration tube ofthe sample aspirating section 21, and can supply the blood sampleaspirated by the aspiration tube to the reaction chamber. The samplepreparing section 22 mixes and stirs the sample in the reaction chamberwith the reagent, and prepares the sample (measuring sample) formeasuring by the detecting section 23.

The detecting section 23 can detect the red blood cells (RBC) and theplatelets (PLT) by using a sheath flow DC detection method. In detectingRBCs and PLTs by using the sheath flow DC detection method, ameasurement sample in which a sample and a diluting fluid are mixed ismeasured, and measurement data obtained in this manner is analyzed andprocessed by the information processing unit 5 so as to obtain numericaldata of the RBCs and PLTs.

In addition, the detecting section 23 is configured to detect hemoglobin(HGB) by using a SLS-hemoglobin method and detect white blood cells(WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), eosinophils (EO),basophil (BASO) and monocytes (MONO) by using a flow cytometry methodusing semiconductor lasers. The detecting section 23 performs differentdetection methods for the WBC detection not involving detection of thefive classifications of white blood cells, the detection of NEUT, LYMPH,EO, BASO, and MONO, and WBC detection involving the five classificationsof white blood cells detection. In the WBC detection not involvingdetection of the five classifications of white blood cells, themeasuring sample in which the sample, the hemolytic agent, and thediluting fluid are mixed is measured, and the information processingunit 5 analyses and processes the obtained measurement data so as toobtain the numerical data of the WBC. On the other hand, in the WBCdetection involving the five classifications of white blood cellsdetection, the measuring sample in which the staining reagent, thehemolytic agent, and the diluting fluid for the five types of whiteblood cells are mixed is measured, the information processing unit 5analyses and processes the obtained measurement data so as to obtain thenumerical data of the NEUT, LYMPH, EO, BASO, MONO, and WBC.

The above-mentioned WBC, RBC, PLT, and HGB are included in a measurementitem referred to as a CBC item. The WBC, RBC, PLT, HGB, NEUT, LYMPH, EO,BASO, and MONO are included in a measurement item referred to as aCBC+DIFF item. In this embodiment, the CBC+DIFF item is a measurementitem which can be commonly measured in the first measurement unit 2 andthe second measurement unit 3, and is a basic item which is measured onall the samples.

FIG. 5 shows the outline configuration of an optical detecting sectionfor detecting WBC/DIFF (white blood cells of five classifications) whichis provided in the detecting section 23. As shown in FIG. 5, the opticaldetecting section 23 a is configured to send the measuring sample into aflow cell 231, generate a liquid current in the flow cell 231, andperform measuring by irradiating the blood cells included in the liquidcurrent passing through the flow cell 231 with a semiconductor laserlight. The optical detecting section includes a sheath flow system 232,a beam spot forming system 233, a forward-scattered light receivingsystem 234, a side-scattered light receiving system 235, and aside-fluorescence light receiving system 236.

The sheath flow system 232 is configured such that the sample flows inthe flow cell 231 in a state of being surrounded by a sheath fluid andin a state where the blood cells are aligned in a single line, so thatthe accuracy and reproducibility of the blood cell counting can beimproved.

The beam spot forming system 233 is configured such that lightirradiated from a semiconductor laser 237 passes through a collimatorlens 238 and a capacitor lens 239 so as to irradiate the flow cell 231.In addition, the beam spot forming system 233 is provided with a beamstopper 240.

The forward-scattered light receiving system 234 is configured such thatthe forward-scattered light is condensed by a forward-condensing lens241, and the light passing through a pin hole 242 is received by a photodiode (forward-scattered light receiving section) 243.

The side-scattered light receiving system 235 is configured such thatthe side-scattered light is condensed by a side-condensing lens 244, anda part of the light is reflected on a dichroic mirror 245 so as to bereceived by a photo diode (side-scattered light receiving section) 246.

Light scattering is a phenomenon occurring such that the particles ofthe blood cells act as an obstacle in terms of the traveling directionof light, and the light changes its traveling direction. By detectingthe scattered light, information on the size or the material of theparticles can be obtained. In particular, the information on the size ofthe particles (blood cells) can be obtained from the forward-scatteredlight. In addition, the information on the content of the particles canbe obtained from the side-scattered light. When a laser light isirradiated to the blood cell particles, the side-scattered lightintensity depends on the complexity of the inside of the cell (shape,size, density, or granulated amount of nucleus). Therefore, using thecharacteristics of the side-scattered light intensity, the measurementof the white blood cell classification and the other measurements can becarried out.

The side-fluorescence light receiving system 236 is configured such thatthe light which has passed through the dichroic mirror 245 furtherpasses through a spectral filter 247 and is received by an avalanchephotodiode (fluorescence light receiving system) 248.

When light is irradiated to a fluorescence material such as a stainedblood cell, light is generated of which wavelength is longer than thatof the irradiated light. If staining is sufficient performed, thefluorescence intensity becomes stronger. By measuring the fluorescenceintensity, the information on the staining degree of the blood cells canbe obtained. Therefore, by a difference of the (side) fluorescenceintensity, the measurement of the white blood cell classification andthe other measurements can be carried out.

Returning to FIG. 4, the configuration of the sample container transportsection 25 will be described. The sample container transport section 25is provided with a hand section 25 a which can grasp the samplecontainer T. The hand section 25 a is provided with a pair of graspingmembers which are disposed so as to face each other. The graspingmembers can be moved closer to or moved away from each other. Thegrasping members can grasp the sample container T by being moved closerto each other in a state where the sample container T is interposedtherebetween. In addition, the sample container transport section 25 canmove the hand section 25 a in a vertical direction and in a backward orforward direction (Y direction), and can also oscillate the hand section25 a. Thereafter, the sample container T which is contained in thesample rack L and positioned at a first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a is grasped by the hand section 25 a. Inthis state, the hand section 25 a moves upward, so that the samplecontainer T is pulled out of the sample rack L, and the hand section 25a is oscillated, so that the sample in the sample container T can bestirred.

In addition, the sample container transport section 25 is provided witha sample container setting section 25 b which includes a hole sectionthrough which the sample container T can be inserted. The samplecontainer T grasped by the above-mentioned hand section 25 a moves afterthe stirring is completed. Then, the grasped sample container T isinserted into the hole section of the sample container setting section25 b. Thereafter, the grasping members are moved away from each other,so that the sample container T is released from the hand section 25 a,and the sample container T is set in the sample container settingsection 25 b. The sample container setting section 25 b can horizontallymove in the Y direction by a driving force of the stepping motor.

In the first measurement unit 2, a bar-code reading section 26 isprovided. The sample container setting section 25 b can move to abar-code reading position 26 a near the bar-code reading section 26 anda aspirating position 21 a at which aspiration is carried out by thesample aspirating section 21. When the sample container setting section25 b moves to the bar-code reading position 26 a, the set samplecontainer T is horizontally rotated by a rotation mechanism and thesample bar-code is read by the bar-code reading section 26. Accordingly,even when the bar-code label BL1 of the sample container T is positionedon the opposite side with respect to the bar-code reading section 26,the bar-code label BL1 can face the bar-code reading section 26 byrotating the sample container T and the bar-code reading section 26 canread the sample bar-code. In addition, when the sample container settingsection 25 b is moved to the aspirating position, the sample isaspirated from the set sample container T by the sample aspiratingsection 21.

Next, the configuration of the second measurement unit 3 will bedescribed. The configuration of the second measurement unit 3 is thesame as that of the first measurement unit 2. The second measurementunit 3 includes a sample aspirating section 31, a sample preparingsection 32 which prepares a measuring sample to be used in measuring ofthe blood components, such as blood cells, from the blood aspirated bythe sample aspirating section 31, and a detecting section 33 whichdetects the blood cells from the measuring sample prepared by the samplepreparing section 32. In addition, the second measurement unit 3 furtherincludes a take-in port 34 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) which is used to takein the sample container T accommodated in the sample rack L, which istransported by the rack transport section 43 of the sample transportunit 4, into the second measurement unit 3, and a sample containertransport section 35 which loads the sample container T from the samplerack L into the second measurement unit 3 and transports the samplecontainer T up to an aspirating position by the sample aspiratingsection 31. The configurations of the sample aspirating section 31, thesample preparing section 32, the detecting section 33, the take-in port34, the sample container transport section 35, and the bar-code readingsection 36 are the same as those of the sample aspirating section 21,the sample preparing section 22, the detecting section 23, the take-inport 24, and the sample container transport section 25, so that thedescriptions thereof will be omitted.

Similarly to the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3can perform the measurement of the sample regarding each of themeasurement items, such as WBC which is the above-mentioned CBC+DIFFitem, RBC, PLT, HGB, NEUT, LYMPH, EO, BASO, and MONO. The configurationof the second measurement unit 3 is the same as that of the firstmeasurement unit, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

The first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 can takein the sample container T containing another sample while a measuringsample prepared from one sample is measured by the detecting sections 23and 33.

<Configuration of Sample Transport Unit>

Next, the configuration of the sample transport unit 4 will bedescribed. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sample transport unit 4 isdisposed in front of the first measurement unit 2 and the secondmeasurement unit 3 of the sample processing apparatus 1. The sampletransport unit 4 can transport the sample rack L in order to supply thesample to the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit3.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the sampletransport unit 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the sample transport unit 4 isprovided with a before-analysis rack holding section 41, anafter-analysis rack holding section 42, the rack transport section 43, abar-code reading section 44, and a sample container sensor 45 (see FIG.4) which detects the existence of the sample container T. Thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41 can temporarily hold the pluralsample racks L which hold the sample containers T which have yet to besubjected to the analysis. The after-analysis rack holding section 42can temporarily hold the plural sample racks L which hold the samplecontainer T in which the sample has been aspirated by the firstmeasurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. The rack transportsection 43 horizontally moves the sample rack L in a straight line inthe arrow direction X in order to supply the sample to the firstmeasurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3. Then, the racktransport section transports the sample rack L received from thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41 to the after-analysis rackholding section 42.

The before-analysis rack holding section 41 has a quadrangular shape inplan view, and its width is slightly larger than the width of the samplerack L. The before-analysis rack holding section 41 is formed to belower by one stage than the surrounding surface, and on an upper facethereof, the before-analysis sample racks L are held. In addition, racksending sections 41 b are provided in both faces of the before-analysisrack holding section 41 so as to protrude inward. The rack sendingsections 41 b protrude, and thus the sample rack L comes into contactwith the rack sending sections 41 b. In this state, the rack sendingsections are moved backward (a direction so as to be closer to the racktransport section 43) and thus the sample rack L is moved backward. Therack sending sections 41 b are configured to be driven by a steppingmotor which is provided below the before-analysis rack holding section41.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rack transport section 43 can move the samplerack L sent by the before-analysis rack holding section 41 in the Xdirection as described above.

Returning to FIG. 4, on the transport path of the sample rack L by therack transport section 43, there are the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a at which the sample containercontaining the sample as an aspiration subject of the first measurementunit 2 is taken out from the sample rack L, and second sample containertake-out/returning position 43 b at which the sample containercontaining the sample as an aspiration subject of the second measurementunit 3 is taken out from the sample rack L. When the sample transportunit 4 is controlled by the information processing unit 5 so as totransport the sample to the first sample container take-out/returningposition 43 a or the second sample container take-out/returning position43 b, the hand section 25 a or a hand section 35 a of the correspondingmeasurement unit grasps the transported sample container T and takes outthe sample container T from the sample rack L so as to supply the sampleto the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3. As aresult, the hand section 25 a or 35 a grasping the sample container Tenters into the housing of the first measurement unit 2 or the secondmeasurement unit 3 as described above, and thereby the sample is takeninto the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3. Therack transport section 43 can transport the sample rack L also while thesample is being taken in the first measurement unit 2 or the secondmeasurement unit 3. Therefore, since another sample cannot be taken intothe measurement unit while one of the first measurement unit 2 and thesecond measurement unit 3 is being taken in with the sample, the samplerack L can be transported to the other measurement unit so as to take inthe sample.

Here, the configuration of the rack transport section 43 will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. As shown in FIG. 6,the rack transport section 43 has two independently operable belts, thatis, a first belt 431 and a second belt 432. Width b1 in a direction ofthe arrow Y of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 is equal to orgreater than half of a width B in the direction of the arrow Y of thesample rack L. The first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are disposedin parallel so as not to protrude from the width B of the sample rack Lwhen the rack transport section 43 transports the sample rack L.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the configuration of the first belt431, and FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the configuration of thesecond belt 432. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first belt 431 and thesecond belt 432 are annularly formed. The first belt 431 is disposed soas to surround rollers 431 a to 431 c and the second belt 432 isdisposed so as to surround rollers 432 a to 432 c. In the outerperipheral section of the first belt 431, two protrusions 431 d areprovided so as to have an inner width w1 slightly larger (for example, 1mm) than a width W in the X direction of the sample rack L, andsimilarly as shown in FIG. 8, in the outer peripheral section of thesecond belt 432, two protrusions 432 d are provided so as to have thesubstantially same inner width w2 as the inner width w1. The first belt431 is configured such that the sample rack L held inside of the twoprotrusions 431 d is moved in the direction of the arrow X by beingmoved along the outer peripheries of the rollers 431 a to 431 c by astepping motor. The second belt 432 is configured such that the samplerack L held inside of the two protrusions 432 d is moved in thedirection of the arrow X by being moved along the outer peripheries ofthe rollers 432 a to 432 c by a stepping motor. In addition, the firstbelt 431 and the second belt 432 are configured so as to move the samplerack L independently of each other. Therefore, the rack transportsection 43 can transport the sample rack L such that the sample istransported up to the first sample container take-out/returning position43 a, the second sample container take-out/returning position 43 b, anda reading position 43 d for reading the bar-code printed on the bar-codelabel BL1 of the sample container T by the bar-code reading section 44.

Returning to FIG. 4, the bar-code reading section 44 is configured toread the bar-code printed on the bar-code label BL1 of the samplecontainer T shown in FIG. 5, and to read the bar-code printed on thebar-code label BL2 which is attached to the sample rack L. In addition,the bar-code reading section 44 is configured to read the bar-code ofthe sample container T while the sample container T of the subjectaccommodated in the sample rack L is being rotated in the horizontaldirection by a rotation apparatus. Therefore, even when the bar-code ofthe sample container T is attached to an opposite side with respect tothe bar-code reading section 44, by rotating the sample container T, thebar-code can face the bar-code reading section 44. In addition, thebar-code printed on the bar-code label BL2 of the sample rack L isuniquely assigned to each rack and used to manage the analysis result ofthe sample.

The sample container sensor 45 is a contact sensor and has a contactpiece, a light-emitting element for emitting light, and alight-receiving element. The sample container sensor 45 is configuredsuch that the contact piece is bent when brought into contact with asubstance to be detected which is a detection object and the lightemitted from the light-emitting element is thus reflected by the contactpiece and enters the light-receiving element. Accordingly, while thesample container T which is a detection object accommodated in thesample rack L passes under the sample container sensor 45, the contactpiece is bent by the sample container T and the sample container T canbe detected. The sample container sensor 45 is provided at the bar-codereading position 43 d. Therefore, the existence of the sample containerT at the bar-code reading position 43 d can be detected by the samplecontainer sensor 45.

At the downstream end of the rack transport section 43 in the transportdirection, the after-analysis rack holding section 42 to be describedlater is provided. A rack delivery section 46 is provided in the rearside of the after-analysis rack holding section 42. The rack deliverysection 46 is configured to horizontally move in a straight line in thedirection of the arrow Y by a driving force of the stepping motor.Therefore, when the sample rack L is transported to a position 461(hereinafter, referred to as “after-analysis rack delivery position”)between the after-analysis rack holding section 42 and the rack deliverysection 46, the sample rack L can be moved into the after-analysis rackholding section 42 by moving the rack delivery section 46 toward theafter-analysis rack holding section 42.

The after-analysis rack holding section 42 has a quadrangular shape inplan view, and its width is slightly larger than the width of the samplerack L. The after-analysis rack holding section 42 is formed to be lowerby one stage than the surrounding surface, and on an upper face thereof,the analyzed sample racks L are held. The after-analysis rack holdingsection 42 is connected to the above-mentioned rack transport section 43and, as described above, sends the sample rack L from the rack transportsection 43 by the rack delivery section 46.

According to the configuration as described above, the sample transportunit 4 moves the sample rack L held on the before-analysis rack holdingsection 41 to the rack transport section 43, and the sample rack isfurther transported by the rack transport section 43 so that the samplecan be supplied to the first measurement unit 2 or the secondmeasurement unit 3. In addition, the sample rack L accommodating thesamples which are completely aspirated is moved to the after-analysisrack delivery position 461 by the rack transport section 43, anddelivered to the after-analysis rack holding section 42 by the rackdelivery section 46. When the plural sample racks L are held on thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41, the sample racks Laccommodating the samples which are completely analyzed are sequentiallydelivered to the after-analysis rack holding section 42 by the rackdelivery section 46. The plural sample racks L are stored in theafter-analysis rack holding section 42.

<Configuration of Information Processing Unit>

Next, the configuration of the information processing unit 5 will bedescribed. The information processing unit 5 is composed of a computer.FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of theinformation processing unit 5. The information processing unit 5 isrealized by a computer 5 a. As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 5 aincludes a main body 51, an image display section 52 and an inputsection 53. The main body 51 includes a CPU 51 a, a ROM 51 b, a RAM 51c, a hard disk 51 d, a reading device 51 e, an I/O interface 51 f, acommunication interface 51 g and an image output interface 51 h. The CPU51 a, ROM 51 b, RAM 51 c, hard disk 51 d, reading device 51 e, I/Ointerface 51 f, communication interface 51 g and image output interface51 h are connected to each other by a bus 51 j.

The CPU 51 a can execute a computer program loaded to the RAM 51 c. TheCPU 51 a executes a computer program 54 a for analyzing a sample andcontrolling the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3,and the sample transport unit 4, which will be described later, so thatthe computer 5 a functions as the information processing unit 5.

The ROM 51 b is composed of a mask ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM orthe like and the computer program executed by the CPU 51 a and data usedfor the computer program are recorded in the ROM.

The RAM 51 c is composed of a SRAM, a DRAM or the like. The RAM 51 c isused to read the computer program 54 a recorded in the hard disk 51 d.In addition, the RAM is used as an operating area of the CPU 51 a whenthe CPU 51 a executes a computer program.

In the RAM 51 c, measurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 showing thestates of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3are provided. In the measurement unit state data areas S1 and S2, anyone of “Sample Take-in Possible”, “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible”,and “Sample Returning Possible” is stored as data. Here, when themeasurement unit is in a standby state of standing by to take in thesample instead of carrying out the take-in and measuring of the sample,the state of the measurement unit becomes “Sample Take-in Possible”. Inaddition, when the measurement unit carries out the taking in thesample, the state of the measurement unit becomes “SampleTake-in/Returning Impossible”. Furthermore, when the measurement unitends the aspirating the sample and is in the state of standing by toreturn the sample to the sample rack L of the sample container T, thestate of the measurement unit becomes “Sample Returning Possible”. Afterthe measurement unit measures the measuring sample by the detectingsections 23 and 33 (that is, detecting the blood cell) and the returningof the sample container T is completed, the state of the measurementunit becomes “Sample Take-in Possible” in which a new sample can betaken in.

In addition, in the RAM 51 c, areas of state queues Q1 and Q2 in whichthe state data of the first measurement unit 2 and the secondmeasurement unit 3 is stored are provided. The state queues Q1 and Q2receive the state data of the first measurement unit 2 and the secondmeasurement unit 3 in real time, and store the state data in a FIFO liststructure.

In the hard disk 51 d, various computer programs for execution by theCPU 51 a, such as an operating system and an application program, anddata which is used to execute the computer programs, are installed. Thecomputer program 54 a to be described later is also installed in thehard disk 51 d.

The reading device 51 e is composed of a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROMdrive, a DVD-ROM drive or the like and can read the computer program ordata recorded in a portable recording medium 54. In the portablerecording medium 54, the computer program 54 a for prompting thecomputer to function as the information processing unit 5 is stored. Thecomputer 5 a can read the computer program 54 a from the portablerecording medium 54 and install the computer program 54 a in the harddisk 51 d.

The computer program 54 a is provided by the portable recording medium54 and can be also provided from an external device, which is connectedto the computer 5 a by an electric communication line (which may bewired or wireless) to communicate therewith, through the electriccommunication line. For example, the computer program 54 a is stored ina hard disk of a server computer on the internet and the computer 5 aaccesses the server computer to download the computer program andinstall the computer program in the hard disk 51 d.

Furthermore, in the hard disk 51 d, for example, a multitaskingoperating system such as Windows (registered trade name), which is madeand distributed by Microsoft corporation in America, is installed. Inthe following description, the computer program 54 a according to thisembodiment operates on the above operating system.

The I/O interface 51 f is composed of, for example, a serial interfacesuch as USB, IEEE1394 or RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDEor IEEE1284, and an analog interface including a D/A converter and anA/D converter. The input section 53 composed of a keyboard and a mouseis connected to the I/O interface 51 f and the user uses the inputsection 53 so as to input data to the computer 5 a. In addition, the I/Ointerface 51 f is connected to the first measurement unit 2, the secondmeasurement unit 3, and the sample transport unit 4. Therefore, theinformation processing unit 5 can control the first measurement unit 2,the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport unit 4.

The communication interface 51 g is an Ethernet (registered trade name)interface. The communication interface 51 g is connected to a hostcomputer 6 via a LAN. Via the communication interface 51 g, the computer5 a can send and receive data to and from the host computer 6 connectedto the LAN by using a predetermined communication protocol.

The image output interface 51 h is connected to the image displaysection 52 composed of a LCD or a CRT so as to output a picture signalcorresponding to the image data provided from the CPU 51 a to the imagedisplay section 52. The image display section 52 displays an image(screen) in accordance with an input picture signal.

[Operation of Sample Processing Apparatus 1]

Hereinafter, the operation of the sample processing apparatus 1according to this embodiment will be described.

<Sample Transport Controlling Process>

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flowcharts illustrating the flow of the sampletransport controlling process carried out by the information processingunit 5 of the sample processing apparatus 1. An operator places thesample rack L accommodating the plural sample containers T, whichcontain samples, on the before-analysis rack holding section 41. In thisstate, the operator operates the input section 53 so as to instruct theinformation processing unit 5 to perform the sample measuring. The CPU51 a of the information processing unit 5 receives the instruction ofperforming the sample measuring, and then performs the following sampletransport controlling process. First, when detecting the sample rack Lwhich is held on the before-analysis rack holding section 41 by a sensor(Step S101), the CPU 51 a secures an area for sample processing tablewhich is used to measure the sample by the RAM 51 c (Step S102).

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of the sampleprocessing table. A sample processing table PT is a table for securingeach piece of the information on, such as, the holding position of eachsample in the sample rack L, the existence of the sample container, themeasuring order, and the measuring state of the sample, for each samplerack L. As shown in FIG. 11, the sample processing table PT is composedof 10 rows, and each row corresponds to the sample which is accommodatedto the sample rack L. A field (column) F1 of the holding position of thesample rack L, a field F2 of the existence of the sample, a field F3 ofthe measuring order, and a field F4 of the measuring state are providedin the sample processing table PT. In the field F1, information of “1”to “10” showing the holding positions of the sample in the sample rack Lis stored. In the field F2, when there is the sample container T at thecorresponding holding position, “1” is stored, and when there is nosample container T at the corresponding holding position, “0” is stored.In the field F3, information of the measurement item showing themeasuring order is stored. Further, as described above, since theCBC+DIFF item includes each item of WBC, RBC, PLT, HGB, NEUT, LYMPH, EO,BASO, and MONO, the respective pieces of the information of themeasurement items may be individually stored in the field F3 and, asshown in FIG. 11, the information representing the “CBC+DIFF” may bestored in the field F3. In the field F4, any one of four typeinformation, that is, “Unmeasured”, “Take-in Sample (first measurementunit)”, “Take-in Sample (second measurement unit)”, and “Measured” isstored as information indicating measuring state. In Step S102, all therespective cells are in a state of being filled with a blank (NULL isstored) excepting the field F1 of the sample processing table PT. Inaddition, when two sample processing tables PT exist, all the samples ofthe sample rack L corresponding to one sample processing table PT isprocessed, and the following processes are carried out on the one sampleprocessing table PT as a subject until the samples are transported tothe after-analysis rack holding section 42, and then the followingprocesses are carried out on the other sample processing table PT.

Returning FIG. 10A, the CPU 51 a refers to the state queues Q1 and Q2 soas to store the data showing the state of the first measurement unit 2and the second measurement unit 3 at this point of time in themeasurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 (Step S103). Here, in thestate queues Q1 and Q2, the plural state data may be stored. In thiscase, the CPU 51 a sequentially reads out the state data from the statequeues Q1 and Q2, and stores the finally-read data in the measurementunit state data areas S1 and S2. The data which is finally read from thestate queues Q1 and Q2 shows the final state of the first measurementunit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, that is, the state of thefirst measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 at this pointof time. Further, initial values of the state queues Q1 and Q2 are“Sample Take-in Possible”.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether or not the sample rack L can bedischarged (Step S104). In this process, the CPU 51 a refers to thesample processing table PT so as to store any one of “0” and “1” to thefield F2 with respect to all the holding positions (that is, there is nocell filled with “NULL”). In addition, when “Measured” is stored in thefield F4 in all the records in which “1” is stored in the field F2,there is no sample container T which is necessary to be subjected to theprocess in the sample container T accommodated to the sample rack L sothat the sample rack L can be discharged. On the other hand, when “NULL”is stored in the field F2 with respect to at least one of the holdingpositions, or when “Unmeasured” or “Sample Take-in” is stored in thefield F4, since there is a sample container T which is necessary to besubjected to the process in the sample rack L, the sample rack L cannotbe discharged.

In Step S104, when the sample rack L cannot be discharged (NO in StepS104), the CPU 51 a determines whether or not there is anecessity-for-process sample with reference to the sample processingtable PT (Step S105). The “Necessity-For-Process Sample” indicates asample which is confirmed of the measuring order and is not measured.That is, in the sample processing table PT, a sample in which theinformation of the measuring order is stored in the field F3 and theinformation of the “Unmeasured” is stored in the field F4 corresponds tothe “Necessity-For-Process Sample”.

In Step S105 described above, when there is a necessity-for-processsample (YES in Step S105), the CPU 51 a performs a sample transportdestination determining process (Step S106).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the sampletransport destination determining process. In the sample transportdestination determining process, the CPU 51 a first refers to the sampleprocessing table PT so as to select a necessity-for-process sample ofwhich the holding position number is minimized (Step S201). Next, theCPU 51 a refers to the measurement unit state data area S1 of the RAM 51c so as to determine whether or not the state of the first measurementunit 2 is “Sample Take-in Possible” (Step S202). In Step S202, when thestate of the first measurement unit 2 is “Sample Take-in Possible” (YESin Step S202), the CPU 51 a determines the first measurement unit 2 tothe transport destination (Step S203), and returns the process to aninvoked address of the sample transport destination determining process.

On the other hand, in Step S202, when the state of the first measurementunit 2 is “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” or “Sample ReturningPossible” (NO in Step S202), the CPU 51 a refers to the measurement unitstate data area S2 of the RAM 51 c so as to determine whether or not thestate of the second measurement unit 3 is “Sample Take-in Possible”(Step S204). In Step S204, when the state of the second measurement unit3 is “Sample Take-in Possible” (YES in Step S204), the CPU 51 adetermines the second measurement unit 3 to the transport destination(Step S205), and returns the process to an invoked address of the sampletransport destination determining process.

In Step S204, when the state of the second measurement unit 3 is “SampleTake-in/Returning Impossible” or “Sample Returning Possible” (NO in StepS204), the CPU 51 a determines the transport destination as “NO” (StepS206), and returns the process to an invoked address of the sampletransport destination determining process.

Returning to FIG. 10A, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determinedtransport destination is the first measurement unit 2 or the secondmeasurement unit 3 (Step S107). When the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (YES in Step S107), the CPU transports the sample selected in thesample transport destination determining process to the transportdestination (Step S108). Further, in this process, when the transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2, the CPU 51 a controls thesample transport unit 4 to position the selected sample at the firstsample container—take-out/returning position 43 a. When the transportdestination is the second measurement unit 3, the CPU controls thesample transport unit 4 to position the selected sample at the secondsample container takeout/returning position 43 b.

Next, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” to thestate queue corresponding to the measurement unit of the transportdestination (Step S109). In addition, the CPU 51 a changes the measuringstate in the sample processing table PT of the sample to “Sample Take-in(first measurement unit)” in order to except the sample from thenecessity-for-process sample, so that the sample process table PT isupdated (Step S110).

Furthermore, the CPU 51 a controls the sample container transportsection of the measurement unit of the transport destination and pullsout the sample container T positioned at the sample containertake-out/returning position from the sample rack L (Step S111).

Thereafter, the CPU 51 a performs a sample take-in process and a samplemeasuring process to be described later. Therefore, the selected samplecontainer T is taken in the first measurement unit 2 or the secondmeasurement unit 3, and the sample is aspirated from the samplecontainer T. Since the sample take-in process takes tens of seconds,after the process of Step S111 described above is completed, the CPU 51a returns the process to Step S103, and performs the subsequentprocesses of Step S103 in parallel to the sample take-in process.

In Step S105, when there is no necessity-for-process sample (NO in StepS105), or when the transport destination determined by the sampletransport destination determining process in Step S107 is “NO” (NO inStep S107), the CPU 51 a refers to the measurement unit state data areasS1 and S2 so as to determine whether or not there is a measurement unitof which the apparatus state is “Sample Returning Possible” (Step S112).When at least any one of the state information stored in the measurementunit state data areas S1 and S2 is “Sample Returning Possible” (YES inStep S112), the CPU 51 a transports the sample rack L to the one ofwhich the state information is “Sample Returning Possible” among thefirst measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 (Step S113).In this process, when “Sample Returning Possible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S1, the CPU 51 a refers to the sampleprocessing table PT, and transport the sample rack L such that theholding position corresponding to the record of which the field F4 isstored with “Sample take-in (first measurement unit)” is changed to thefirst sample container take-out/returning position 43 a. In addition,when “Sample Returning Possible” is stored in the measurement unit statedata area S2, the CPU 51 a refers to the sample processing table PT andtransports the sample rack L such that the holding positioncorresponding to the record of which the field F4 is stored with “SampleTake-in (second measurement unit)” is changed to the second samplecontainer take-out/returning position 43 b. When both the firstmeasurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are in the state of“Sample Returning Possible”, the CPU 51 a transports the sample rack Lby setting the first measurement unit 2 to the transport destination.

Next, the CPU 51 a performs the sample returning process (Step S114). Inthis sample returning process, one of the first measurement unit 2 andthe second measurement unit 3, which is in the state of “SampleReturning Possible”, is controlled, so that the sample container T isdischarged from the measurement unit and returns to the sample rack L.In addition, in the sample returning process, the measuring state in thesample processing table PT of the returned sample is changed to“Measured”, so that the sample processing table PT is updated. Thedetails of the sample returning process will be described later. Afterthe sample returning process described above is completed, The CPU 51 areturns the process to Step S103.

In addition, in Step S112, when “Sample Returning Possible” is notstored in both the measurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 (NO inStep S112), the CPU 51 a refers to the sample processing table PT so asto determine whether or not there is a holding position for which themeasuring order is not confirmed, that is, a holding position for whichthe information “0” indicating no sample is not stored in the field F2in the sample processing table PT and the information of the measuringorder is not stored in the field F3 (see FIG. 10B, Step S115).

In Step S115, when there is a holding position for which the measuringorder is not confirmed (YES in Step S115), the CPU 51 a controls thesample transport unit 4 so as to transport the sample rack L, andpositions one at a holding position of the sample rack L, for which themeasuring order is not confirmed in the holding position of thecorresponding sample rack L, to the reading position 43 d in front ofthe bar-code reading section 44 (Step S116). Here, being positioned atthe reading position 43 d is to be positioned at a holding position (aholding position on the downstream end side in the transport directionof the sample rack L) with a smallest number in the holding positionsfor which “0” is not stored in the field F2 in the sample processingtable PT and the information of the measuring order is not stored in thefield F3. That is, when there is no sample of which the measuring orderis confirmed, the holding position “1” is selected, and the sample rackL is transported such that the holding position “1” becomes the readingposition 43 d. In addition, when the measuring orders of the othersamples excepting the sample of which the holding position is “1” arenot confirmed, the holding position “2” is selected, and the sample rackL is transported such that the holding position “2” becomes the readingposition 43 d. Therefore, the sample rack is positioned at the readingposition 43 d in the order increasing the number thereof.

When the sample rack L is transported such that the selected holdingposition becomes the reading position 43 d, the CPU 51 a determineswhether or not the sample container T is detected by the samplecontainer sensor 45 (Step S117). Here, when the sample container T isdetected (YES in Step S117), the sample ID is read from the samplebar-code of the sample container T by the bar-code reading section 44(Step S118).

Thereafter, the CPU 51 a performs the measuring order obtaining processas to be described later. In this process, the CPU 51 a obtains themeasuring order of the sample. In addition, the measuring orderobtaining process is performed in parallel with the sample transportcontrolling process by a multitasking process. Therefore, while themeasuring order obtaining process is performed, the transportation ofthe sample rack L becomes possible.

On the other hand, in Step S117, when the sample container T is notdetected (NO in Step S117), the CPU 51 a stores “0” in the cellcorresponding to the holding position of the field F2 in the sampleprocessing table PT (Step S119), and returns the process to Step S115.

In addition, in Step S115, when there is no holding position for whichthe measuring order is not confirmed (NO in Step S115), the CPU 51 adetermines whether or not a new sample rack L can be sent to the racktransport section 43 (Step S120). In Step S120, the CPU 51 a cantransport a new sample rack L when the sample rack L held on thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41 is detected by a sensor, thefields F2 of all the holding positions before a predetermined holdingposition (for example, the holding position “7”) are stored with any oneof “0” and “1” in the sample processing table PT relating to the samplerack L which is being currently transported by the rack transportsection 43 (that is, there is no cell set with “NULL”), and “Measured”is stored in the fields F4 in all the records of which the fields F2 arestored with “1”. That is, when a new sample rack L is held on thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41 and the sample at each holdingposition before a predetermined holding position of the sample rack Lbeing transported is completely taken in and returned, a new sample rackL can be transported. Therefore, even through one sample is positionedat the holding position before a predetermined holding position, when“NULL” is stored in the field F2, or when “Unmeasured” or “SampleLoading” is stored in the field F4, a new sample rack L cannottransported.

In Step S120, when a new sample rack L can be transported (YES in StepS120), the CPU 51 a secures an area for a new sample processing table inthe RAM 51 c (Step S121). Further, the CPU 51 a controls the racksending sections 41 b, so that a new sample rack L is moved by thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41 so as to be sent to the racktransport section 43 (Step S122). At this time, the CPU performs atransport control on the transport section 43 in order not to occurinterference between the current transported sample rack L and a newlysent sample rack L with each other, and thus the new sample rack L issent to the rack transport section 43. After completing the process ofStep S122, the CPU 51 a returns the process to Step S103.

On the other hand, in Step S120, when a new sample rack L cannot betransported (NO in Step S120), the CPU 51 a stands by for apredetermined period of time (for example, 1 sec) (Step S123), and thenreturns the process to Step S103. The CPU refers to the state queues Q1and Q2 so as to store data showing the state of the first measurementunit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 at this point of time in themeasurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 (Step S103).

In Step S104, when the measuring states of all the samples are“Measured” in the sample processing table PT (YES in Step S104), the CPU51 a controls the sample transport unit 4 such that the sample rack L(the left sample rack L when two sample racks L are on the racktransport section 43) is transported to the after-analysis holdingsection 42 by the rack transport section 43 (see FIG. 10A, Step S124).The CPU releases an area of the sample processing table PT correspondingto the sample rack L, in the RAM 51 c (Step S125), and returns theprocess to Step S103.

<Measuring Order Obtaining Process>

Next, the measuring order obtaining process carried out by theinformation processing unit 5 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchartillustrating the flow of the measuring order obtaining process carriedout by the information processing unit 5 of the sample processingapparatus 1.

In the measuring order obtaining process, the CPU 51 a first makes aninquiry to the host computer 6 for the measuring order corresponding tothe sample ID (Step S301). The inquiry is carried out by transmittingmeasuring order request data including the sample ID to the hostcomputer 6 which is connected via a network. The CPU 51 a stands by toreceive the measuring order (NO in Step S302). When receiving themeasuring order (YES in Step S302), the CPU stores “1” in the cell offield F2 which indicates the existence of the sample containercorresponding to the holding position, stores the measuring order in thecell of field F3 of the measuring order, and stores the information ofthe “Unmeasured” in the field F4 of the measuring state in the sampleprocessing table PT, so that the sample processing table PT is updated(Step S303) and the measuring order obtaining process is completed.

The above-mentioned measuring order obtaining process is performed inparallel with the sample transport controlling process by a multitaskingprocess. Therefore, while the measuring order obtaining process isperformed, the transportation of the sample rack L becomes possible.

<Sample Take-in Process>

Next, the sample take-in process carried out by the informationprocessing unit 5 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustratingthe flow of the sample take-in process carried out by the informationprocessing unit 5 of the sample processing apparatus 1. Here, the sampletake-in process carried out by the first measurement unit 2 isdescribed, and the sample take-in process carried out by the secondmeasurement unit 3 is also similar thereto.

As described above, after the sample container T positioned at the firstsample container—take-out/returning position 43 a is pulled out of thesample rack L, the sample take-in process by the first measurement unit2 is performed by the CPU 51 a. In the sample take-in process by thefirst measurement unit 2, the CPU 51 a first controls the hand section25 a to oscillate the sample container T, and thus the sample therein isstirred for a predetermined period of time (Step S401). The stirring ofthe sample takes a time about tens of seconds. Next, the CPU 51 acontrols the hand section 25 a so as to set the sample container T tothe sample container setting section 25 b (Step S402), and furthercontrols the sample container transport section 25 so as to transportthe sample container T to the aspirating position (Step S403). Further,the CPU 51 a refers to the measuring order of the sample to calculate asample amount required for the measuring from the measurement items(Step S404). Next, the CPU 51 a controls the sample aspirating section21 so as to aspirate an amount necessary for the sample from the samplecontainer T (Step S405). After the process of Step S405 is completed,since the first measurement unit 2 is in a state capable of returningthe sample, the CPU 51 a inputs the information of the “Sample ReturningPossible” in the state queue Q1 (Step S406), and completes the process.

The above-mentioned sample take-in process is performed in parallel withthe sample transport controlling process by a multitasking process.Therefore, while the sample take-in process is performed, thetransportation of the sample rack L becomes possible.

<Sample Measuring Process>

Next, the sample measuring process carried by the information processingunit 5 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flowof the sample measuring process carried by the information processingunit 5 of the sample processing apparatus 1. Here, the sample measuringprocess carried out by the first measurement unit 2 is described, andthe sample measuring process carried out by the second measurement unit3 is also similar thereto.

After the above-mentioned sample take-in process is completed, the CPU51 a performs the sample measuring process. In the sample measuringprocess, the CPU 51 a first controls the sample preparing section 22 soas to prepare the measuring samples corresponding to the measurementitems (Step S501). Next, the CPU 51 a supplies the measuring sample tothe detecting section 23 so as to carry out the measurement of thesample regarding each measurement item included in the measuring orderby the detecting section 23 (Step S502). Therefore, the CPU 51 a obtainsmeasurement data output from the detecting section 23. Thereafter, theCPU 51 a performs a cleaning operation for cleaning a flow path used forthe measurement and a reaction chamber (Step S503).

In addition, the CPU 51 a performs an analysis process of themeasurement data (Step S504) so as to obtain the analysis result of thenumerical values including, such as, RBC, PLT, HGB, WBC, NEUT, LYMPH,EO, BASO, and MONO. After the process of Step S504 is completed, the CPU51 a completes the process.

The above-mentioned sample measuring process is performed in parallelwith the sample transport controlling process by a multitasking process.Therefore, while the sample measuring process is performed, thetransportation of the sample rack L becomes possible.

<Sample Returning Process>

Next, the sample returning process carried out by the informationprocessing unit 5 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustratingthe flow of the sample returning process carried out by the informationprocessing unit 5 of the sample processing apparatus 1. Here, the samplereturning process carried out by the first measurement unit 2 isdescribed, and the sample returning process carried out by the secondmeasurement unit 3 is also similar thereto.

In the sample returning process, the CPU 51 a first controls the samplecontainer transport section 25 and moves the sample container settingsection 25 b from the aspirating position to be transported up to aposition where the sample container T can be grasped by the hand section25 a (Step S601). Next, the CPU 51 a controls the hand section 25 a soas to grasp the sample container T by the hand section 25 a, and thenpulls out the sample container T from the sample container settingsection 25 b (Step S602). Furthermore, the CPU 51 a controls the handsection 25 a so as to insert the grasped sample container T to theholding position of the sample rack L of the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a (Step S603).

Here, since the first measurement unit 2 becomes in a state where asample can be taken in, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-in Possible” inthe state queue Q1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S604). Furthermore, the CPU 51a changes the measuring state in the sample processing table PT of thesample returned to the sample rack L to “Measured” (Step S605). Afterthe process of Step S605 is completed, the CPU 51 a returns the processto an invoked address of the sample returning process.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned sample processing apparatus 1will be described using a specific example. In the following, theoperation of the sample processing apparatus 1 will be described in acase where the sample rack L holding the samples of which themeasurement items include the CBC+DIFF item at the holding positions 1to 10 is put into the sample processing apparatus 1.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart illustrating the operations of the firstmeasurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 of the sampleprocessing apparatus 1 when the sample rack L is put into the sampleprocessing apparatus 1. First, the sample rack L is put into thebefore-analysis rack holding section 41, and when the informationprocessing unit 5 is instructed to perform the sample measuring by anoperator, the sample rack L held on the before-analysis rack holdingsection 41 is detected (Step S101 in FIG. 10A), and an area of thesample processing table PT in the information processing unit 5 issecured (Step S102). FIGS. 18A to 18G are diagrams schematicallyillustrating the state of the sample processing table PT. The state ofthe sample processing table PT in this point of time is shown in FIG.18A. In this point of time, the sample processing table PT is in a statewhere all cells are filled with NULL data excepting the field F1.

Next, the CPU 51 a refers to the state queues Q1 and Q2, the finallyinput data in the state queues Q1 and Q2 is stored in the measurementunit state data areas S1 and S2 (Step S103). Here, since the initialvalue of “Sample Take-in Possible” is input in both state queues Q1 andQ2, “Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in the respective measurementunit state data areas S1 and S2.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether or not the sample rack L can bedischarged (Step S104). However, since all the fields F2 showing theexistence of the sample container of the sample processing table PT arestored with “NULL” (NO in Step S104), the process of the CPU 51 a movesto Step S105. In addition, it is determined whether or not there is anecessity-for-process sample in Step S105. However, since there is nonecessity-for-process sample in the sample processing table PT (NO inStep S105), the process of the CPU 51 a moves to Step S112.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether or not there is a measurement unitof which the apparatus state is “Sample Returning Possible” (Step S112).Here, since “Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in both the measurementunit state data areas S1 and S2 (NO in Step S112), the process of theCPU 51 a moves to Step S115.

The CPU 51 a determines whether or not there is a holding position forwhich the measuring order is not confirmed (Step S115). Here, in thesample processing table PT, there is no record in which the informationon the measuring order is stored in the field F3 of the measuring order.That is, there is only samples for which the measuring order isconfirmed (YES in Step S115). Therefore, the CPU 51 a moves the processto Step S116.

Next, one of the samples accommodated in the sample rack L, its theholding position for which the measuring order is not confirmed, istransported up to the reading position 43 d in front of the bar-codereading section 44 (Step S116). Here, since there is no sample for whichthe measuring order is confirmed at all, the sample rack L istransported until the holding position 1 becomes the reading position 43d. Since the sample container T is held at the holding position 1 of thesample rack L, the sample container T is detected by the samplecontainer sensor 45 (YES in Step S117). Therefore, the sample ID is readfrom the bar-code of the sample positioned at the holding position 1 bythe bar-code reading section 44 (Step S118), and the measuring orderobtaining process is performed.

In the measuring order obtaining process, the measuring order of thesample at the holding position 1, that is, the measuring order includingthe CBC+DIFF item is obtained from the host computer 6 by the CPU 51 a(Steps S301 and S302). Then, the sample processing table PT is updated(Step S303). The state of the sample processing table PT at this pointof time is shown in FIG. 18B. As shown in the drawing, at the point oftime, “1” is stored in the field F2 showing the existence of the samplecontainer T in the row of the holding position 1 of the sampleprocessing table PT, the information representing the “CBC+DIFF” isstored in the field F3 of the measuring order, and the informationrepresenting the “Unmeasured” is stored in the field F4 of the measuringstate.

As shown in FIG. 17, in parallel with the above-mentioned measuringorder obtaining process, the sample transport controlling process isperformed continuously. That is, the CPU 51 a performs the process ofStep S103 again. The CPU 51 a refers to the state queues Q1 and Q2, andthe finally input data in the state queues Q1 and Q2 is stored in themeasurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 (Step S103). Here, sincethere is no data in the state queues Q1 and Q2, the data of themeasurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 is not changed. That is,“Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in each of the measurement unitstate data areas S1 and S2.

Next, the process of Step S104 is performed. It is determined whether ornot the sample rack L can be discharged, but since the sample rack Lcannot be discharged (NO in Step S104), it is determined whether or notthere is a necessity-for-process sample in Step S105. Here, the sampleat the holding position 1 is the necessity-for-process sample becausethere is information on the measuring order in the sample processingtable PT and the measuring state is “Unmeasured”. Therefore, the sampletransport destination determining process S106 is performed by the CPU51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, the CPU51 a selects the necessity-for-process sample of which the number of theholding position is smallest in the sample processing table PT (StepS201). Therefore, the sample at the holding position 1 is selected, andit is determined whether or not the first measurement unit 2 is in thestate where the sample can be taken in from the measurement unit statedata area S1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S202). Here, the information of the“Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in both of the measurement unitstate data areas S1 and S2. Therefore, it is determined that the firstmeasurement unit 2 can take in the sample (YES in Step S202), the firstmeasurement unit 2 is determined as the transport destination (StepS203), and the process is returned to an invoked address of the sampletransport destination determining process S106.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the transport destination is determined as thefirst measurement unit 2 (YES in Step S107), the sample at the holdingposition 1 is transported to the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a (Step S108).

Next, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” in thestate queue Q1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S109), and the measuring state ofthe holding position 1 of the sample processing table PT is changed soas to be “Sample Take-in (first measurement unit)” (Step S110). Then,the sample container T at the holding position 1, which is positioned atthe first sample container take-out/returning position 43 a, is pulledout of the sample rack L (Step S111). The state of the sample processingtable PT at this point of time is shown in FIG. 18C. Thereafter, thesample take-in process is performed by the first measurement unit 2, andthe sample container T is taken in the first measurement unit 2 (StepsS401 to S405).

Even in the state where the sample container T at the holding position 1is pulled out, the sample rack L can be transported. Then, the CPU 51 aperforms the subsequent processes of Step S103 again for tens of secondswhen the sample container T is taken in the first measurement unit 2. Atthe point of time, since the finally input data in the state queue Q1 is“Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible”, the information of the “SampleTake-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in the measurement unit statedata area S1 (Step S103). In addition, as shown in FIG. 18C, since“NULL” is stored in the field F2 of the holding positions 2 to 10, thesample rack L cannot be discharged (NO in Step S104), there is notnecessity-for-process sample (NO in Step S105), and there is nomeasurement unit of which the apparatus state is “Sample ReturningPossible” (NO in Step S112). Here, since there is a holding position forwhich the measuring order is not confirmed (YES in Step S115), theholding position 2 of which the number of the holding position for whichthe measuring order is not confirmed is smallest becomes the readingposition 43 d (Step S116). Since the sample container T is held at theholding position 2, the sample container T is detected by the samplecontainer sensor 45 (YES in Step S117). Therefore, the sample ID is readfrom the bar-code of the sample at the holding position 2 by thebar-code reading section 44 (Step S118), and the measuring orderobtaining process is performed.

In the measuring order obtaining process, the measuring order of thesample at the holding position 2, that is, the measuring order includingthe CBC+DIFF item is obtained from the host computer 6 by the CPU 51 a(Steps S301 and S302). Then, the sample processing table PT is updated(Step S303). The state of the sample processing table PT at this pointof time is shown in FIG. 18D. As shown in the drawing, at the point oftime, “1” is stored in the field F2 showing the existence of the samplecontainer T in the row of the holding position 2 of the sampleprocessing table PT, the information representing the “CBC+DIFF” isstored in the field F3 of the measuring order, and the informationrepresenting the “Unmeasured” is stored in the field F4 of the measuringstate.

As shown in FIG. 17, in parallel with the above-mentioned measuringorder obtaining process, the sample transport controlling process iscontinuously performed. That is, the CPU 51 a performs the process ofStep S103 again. At the point of time, since there is no data in thestate queues Q1 and Q2, the data in the measurement unit state dataareas S1 and S2 are not changed in the process of Step S103. That is,“Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in the measurement unitstate data area S1, and “Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18D, since “NULL” is stored in the fieldF2 of the holding positions 3 to 10, the sample rack L cannot bedischarged (NO in Step S104), and it is determined whether or not thereis a necessity-for-process sample in Step S105. Here, since theinformation of the measuring order exists in the sample processing tablePT and the measuring state is “Unmeasured”, the sample at the holdingposition 2 is the necessity-for-process sample. Therefore, the sampletransport destination determining process S106 is performed by the CPU51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, the CPU51 a selects the necessity-for-process sample of which the number of theholding position is smallest in the sample processing table PT (StepS201). Therefore, the sample at the holding position 2 is selected, andit is determined whether or not the first measurement unit 2 is in thestate where the sample can be taken in from the measurement unit statedata area S1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S202). Here, the information of the“Sample Loading/Returning Impossible” is stored in the measurement unitstate data area S1. Therefore, it is determined that the firstmeasurement unit 2 cannot take in the sample (NO in Step S202), it isdetermined whether or not the second measurement unit 3 is in a statewhere the sample can be taken in from the measurement unit state dataarea S2 of the RAM 51 c (Step S204). Here, the information of the“Sample Loading Possible” is stored in the measurement unit state dataarea S2. Therefore, it is determined that the second measurement unit 3can take in the sample (YES in Step S204), the second measurement unit 3is determined as the transport destination (Step S205), and the processis returned to an invoked address of the sample transport destinationdetermining process S106.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the transport destination is determined as thesecond measurement unit 3 (YES in Step S107), the sample at the holdingposition 2 is transported to the second sample containertake-out/returning position 43 b (Step S108).

Next, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” in thestate queue Q2 of the RAM 51 c (Step S109), and the measuring state ofthe holding position 2 of the sample processing table PT is changed soas to be “Sample Take-in (second measurement unit)” (Step S110). Then,the sample container T at the holding position 2, which is positioned atthe second sample container take-out/returning position 43 b, is pulledout of the sample rack L (Step S111). The state of the sample processingtable PT at this point of time is shown in FIG. 18E. Thereafter, thesample take-in process is performed by the second measurement unit 3,and the sample container T is taken in the second measurement unit 3(Steps S401 to S405). Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the above-mentionedsample obtaining process of the sample container T at the holdingposition 1 is also performed in parallel therewith.

It takes a time about tens of seconds until the above-mentioned loadingof the sample container T is completed. The CPU 51 a keeps on the sampletransport controlling process during the above-mentioned sample take-inprocess is performed on the sample at the holding positions 1 and 2. Inaddition, when the sample take-in is completed, the sample measuringprocess is performed. The sample measuring process is also performed inparallel with the sample transport controlling process.

The CPU 51 a performs the subsequent processes of Step S103 again duringthe sample take-in process is performed by the first measurement unit 2and the second measurement unit 3. At the point of time, since thefinally input data in the state queue Q2 is “Sample Take-in/ReturningImpossible”, the information of the “Sample Take-in/ReturningImpossible” is stored in the measurement unit state data area S2. On theother hand, since no data is input in the state queue Q1, the datastored in the measurement unit state data area S1 remains in “SampleTake-in/Returning Impossible”, and is not changed (Step S103).

As shown in FIG. 18E, since the information representing the existenceof the sample container T at the holding positions 3 to 10 in the sampleprocessing table PT is “NULL”, the sample rack L cannot be discharged(NO in Step S104). Since there is no necessity-for-process sample (NO inStep S105) and the measuring order of the sample at the holdingpositions 3 to 10 is not confirmed (YES in Step S115), the holdingposition 3 of which the number of the holding position for which themeasuring order is not confirmed is smallest becomes the readingposition 43 d (Step S116). Since the sample container T is held on theholding position 3, the sample container T is detected by the samplecontainer sensor 45 (YES in Step S117). Therefore, the sample ID is readfrom the bar-code of the sample at the holding position 3 by thebar-code reading section 44 (Step S118), and the measuring orderobtaining process is performed.

In the measuring order obtaining process, the measuring order of thesample at the holding position 3, that is, the measuring order includingthe CBC+DIFF item is obtained from the host computer 6 by the CPU 51 a(Steps S301 and S302). Then, the sample processing table PT is updated(Step S303). The state of the sample processing table PT at this pointof time is shown in FIG. 18F. As shown in the drawing, at the point oftime, “1” is stored in the field F2 showing the existence of the samplecontainer T in the row of the holding position 3 of the sampleprocessing table PT, the information representing the “CBC+DIFF” isstored in the field F3 of the measuring order, and the informationrepresenting the “Unmeasured” is stored in the field F4 of the measuringstate.

As shown in FIG. 17, in parallel with the above-mentioned measuringorder obtaining process, the sample transport controlling process iscontinuously performed. That is, the CPU 51 a performs the process ofStep S103 again. At the point of time, since there is no data in thestate queues Q1 and Q2, the data of the measurement unit state dataareas S1 and S2 is not changed in the process of Step S103. That is,“Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in each of themeasurement unit state data areas S1 and S2.

As shown in FIG. 18F, since the information representing the existenceof the sample container T at the holding positions 4 to 10 becomes“NULL” (NO in Step S104), it is determined whether or not there is anecessity-for-process sample in Step S105. Here, the sample at theholding position 3 is the necessity-for-process sample because there isinformation on the measuring order in the sample processing table PT andthe measuring state is “Unmeasured”. Therefore, the sample transportdestination determining process S106 is performed by the CPU 51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, the CPU51 a selects the necessity-for-process sample of which the number of theholding position is smallest in the sample processing table PT (StepS201). Therefore, the sample at the holding position 3 is selected, andit is determined whether or not the first measurement unit 2 is in thestate where the sample can be taken in from the measurement unit statedata area S1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S202). Here, the information of the“Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in the measurement unitstate data areas 51. Therefore, it is determined that the firstmeasurement unit 2 cannot take in the sample (NO in Step S202), it isdetermined whether or not the second measurement unit 3 is in a statewhere the sample can be taken in from the measurement unit state dataarea S2 of the RAM 51 c (Step S204). Here, the information of the“Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in the measurement unitstate data area S2. Therefore, the CPU 51 a determines that the secondmeasurement unit 3 cannot take in the sample (NO in Step S204),determines that the transport destination is “NO” (S206), and returnsthe process to an invoked address of the sample transport destinationdetermining process.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the determined transport destination is “NO”(NO in Step S107), the CPU determines whether or not there is ameasurement unit of which the apparatus state is “Sample ReturningPossible” (Step S112). Here, since “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible”is stored in both the measurement unit state data areas S1 and S2 (NO inStep S112), the CPU 51 a refers to the sample processing table PT so asto determine whether or not there is a holding position for which themeasuring order is not conformed (Step S115). Here, since the measuringorders of the holding positions 4 to 10 are not confirmed (YES in StepS115), the holding position 4 with the smallest number among the holdingpositions for which the measuring order is not confirmed is positionedat the reading position 43 d (Step S116). Since the sample container Tis held on the holding position 4, the sample container T is detected bythe sample container sensor 45 (YES in Step S117). Therefore, the sampleID is read from the bar-code of the sample at the holding position 4 bythe bar-code reading section 44 (Step S118), and the measuring orderobtaining process is performed.

In the measuring order obtaining process, the measuring order of thesample at the holding position 4, that is, the measuring order includingthe CBC+DIFF item is obtained from the host computer 6 by the CPU 51 a(Steps S301 and S302). Then, the sample processing table PT is updated(Step S303). “1” is stored in the field F2 showing the existence of thesample container T in the row of the holding position 4 of the sampleprocessing table PT, the information representing the “CBC+DIFF” isstored in the field F3 of the measuring order, and the informationrepresenting the “Unmeasured” is stored in the field F4 of the measuringstate.

As shown in FIG. 17, in parallel with the above-mentioned measuringorder obtaining process, the sample transport controlling process iscontinuously performed. The subsequent processes of Step S103 arerepeatedly performed, and the measuring orders of the sample at theother holding positions 5 to 10 are obtained (Steps S103 to S118 andS301 to S303). As described above, the updated sample processing tablePT is shown in FIG. 18G.

In addition, in the middle of reading the sample bar-codes and obtainingthe measuring orders with respect to the samples at the above-mentionedholding positions 3 to 10, when the sample obtaining process relating tothe sample container T at the holding position 1 (or 2) is completed,the information of the “Sample Returning Possible” is input in the statequeue Q1 (or Q2) (Step S406). Therefore, the CPU 51 a directly storesthe information of the “Sample Returning Possible” in the measurementunit state data area S1 (or S2), the sample rack L is transported to thefirst measurement unit 2 (or the second measurement unit 3) (Step S113),and the sample returning process is performed by the first measurementunit 2 (or the second measurement unit 3) (Step S114). As a result, thesample container T is returned to the holding position 1 (or 2) of thesample rack L. After the sample container T is returned to the samplerack L, the reading of the sample bar-code is restarted, and the samplebar-codes of the samples at the other holding positions are read.

Further, in this example, before the sample take-in process is completedon the holding positions 1 and 2, the reading of the sample bar-codes atthe holding positions 3 to 10 and the obtaining of the measuring ordersare assumed as being completed.

Thereafter, when the process of Step S405 is completed on the samplecontainer T at the holding position 1, the CPU 51 a input theinformation of the “Sample Returning Possible” in the state queue Q1(Step S406). Further, the CPU 51 a stores the information of the “SampleReturning Possible”, which is finally input in the state queue Q1, inthe measurement unit state data area S1 (Step S103). In addition, asshown in FIG. 18G, since the data of the measuring state correspondingto the holding positions 1 and 2 is “Sample Take-in” and the data of themeasuring state of the holding positions 3 to 10 is “Unmeasured”, thesample rack L cannot be discharged (NO in Step S104). In addition, thesamples of the holding positions 3 to 10 are the necessity-for-processsamples because there is information on the measuring order in thesample processing table PT and the measuring state is “Unmeasured” (YESin Step S105). Therefore, the sample transport destination determiningprocess S106 is performed by the CPU 51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, in StepS201, the CPU 51 a selects the sample at the holding position 3. Next,the information of the “Sample Returning Possible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S1 of the RAM 51 c, and the informationof the “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S2. Therefore, it is determined thatboth the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3cannot take in the sample (NO in Steps S202 and S204), “NO” isdetermined as the transport destination (Step S206), and the process isreturned to an invoked address of the sample transport destinationdetermining process S106.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the determined transport destination is “NO”(NO in Step S107), the CPU determines whether or not there is ameasurement unit of which the apparatus state is “Sample ReturningPossible” (Step S112). Here, since “Sample Returning Possible” is storedin the measurement unit state data area S1 (YES in Step S112), the CPU51 a refers to the sample processing table PT so as to transport thesample rack L such that the holding position 1 corresponding to therecord in which “Sample Take-in (first measurement unit)” is stored inthe field F4 becomes the first sample container take-out/returningposition 43 a (Step S113).

Next, the CPU 51 a performs the sample returning process by the firstmeasurement unit 2 (Step S114). Therefore, the first measurement unit 2is controlled, so that the accommodated sample container T is dischargedfrom the first measurement unit 2 and returned to the sample rack L(Steps S601 to S603). In addition, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-inPossible” in the state queue Q1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S604), and changesthe data of the measuring state corresponding to the holding position 1in the sample processing table PT with “Measured” (Step S605).Thereafter, the CPU 51 a returns the process to an invoked address ofthe sample returning process.

The CPU 51 a performs the process of Step S103 again. At the point oftime, the finally input data in the state queue Q1 is “Sample Take-inPossible”, so that in Step S103, the information of the “Sample Take-inPossible” is stored in the measurement unit state data area S1. That is,“Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in the measurement unit state dataarea S1, and “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S2.

At the point of time, the data of the measuring state corresponding ofthe holding position 2 is “Sample Take-in”, and the sample rack L cannotbe discharged because the data of the measuring states of the holdingpositions 3 to 10 are “Unmeasured” (NO in Step S104). In addition, thesamples at the holding positions 3 to 10 are the necessity-for-processsamples because there is information on the measuring order in thesample processing table PT and the measuring state is “Unmeasured” (YESin Step S105). Therefore, the sample transport destination determiningprocess S106 is performed by the CPU 51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, in StepS201, the CPU 51 a selects the sample at the holding position 3. Here,the information of the “Sample Take-in Possible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S1. Therefore, it is determined thatthe first measurement unit 2 can take in the sample (YES in Step S202),the first measurement unit 2 is determined as the transport destination(Step S203), and the process is returned to an invoked address of thesample transport destination determining process S106.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the transport destination is determined as thefirst measurement unit 2 (YES in Step S107), the sample at the holdingposition 3 is transported to the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a (Step S108).

Next, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” in thestate queue Q1 of the RAM 51 c (Step S109), and changes the measuringstate of the holding position 3 in the sample processing table PT with“Sample Take-in (first measurement unit)” (Step S110). Then, the samplecontainer T of the holding position 3 at the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a is pulled out from the sample rack L(Step S111). Thereafter, the sample take-in process is performed by thefirst measurement unit 2, and the sample container T is taken in thefirst measurement unit 2 (Steps S401 to S405). Further, as shown in FIG.17, the above-mentioned sample obtaining process of the sample containerT at the holding position 2 is also performed in parallel therewith.

Thereafter, when the process of Step 405 is completed on the samplecontainer T at the holding position 2, the CPU 51 a inputs theinformation of the “Sample Returning Possible” in the state queue Q2(Step S406), and performs the sample measuring process. Further, the CPU51 a stores the information of the “Sample Returning Possible” which isfinally input in the state queue Q2 in the measurement unit state dataarea S1 (Step S103). In addition, since the data of the measuring statescorresponding of the holding positions 2 and 3 is “Sample Take-in”, andthe data of the measuring states of the holding positions 4 to 10 is“Unmeasured”, the sample rack L cannot be discharged (NO in Step S104).In addition, the samples at the holding positions 4 to 10 are thenecessity-for-process samples because there is information on themeasuring order in the sample processing table PT and the measuringstate is “Unmeasured” (YES in Step S105). Therefore, the sampletransport destination determining process S106 is performed by the CPU51 a.

In the sample transport destination determining process, first, the CPU51 a selects the sample at the holding position 4 in Step S201. Next,the information of the “Sample Take-in/Returning Impossible” is storedin the measurement unit state data area S1 of the RAM 51 c, and theinformation of the “Sample Returning Possible” is stored in themeasurement unit state data area S2. Therefore, it is determined thatboth the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3cannot take in the sample (NO in Steps S202 and S204), and “NO” isdetermined as the transport destination (Step S206), and the process isreturned to an invoked address of the sample transport destinationdetermining process S106.

Next, the CPU 51 a determines whether the determined transportdestination is the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurementunit 3 (Step S107). Since the determined transport destination is “NO”(NO in Step S107), the CPU determines whether or not there is ameasurement unit of which the apparatus state is “Sample ReturningPossible” (Step S112). Here, since “Sample Returning Possible” is storedin the measurement unit state data area S2 (YES in Step S112), the CPU51 a refers to the sample processing table PT so as to transport thesample rack L such that the holding position 2 corresponding to therecord in which “Sample Take-in (second measurement unit)” is stored inthe field F4 becomes the second sample container take-out/returningposition 43 b (Step S113).

Next, the CPU 51 a performs the sample returning process by the secondmeasurement unit 3 (Step S114). Therefore, the second measurement unit 3is controlled, so that the accommodated sample container T is dischargedfrom the second measurement unit 3 and returned to the sample rack L(Steps S601 to S603). In addition, the CPU 51 a inputs “Sample Take-inPossible” in the state queue Q2 of the RAM 51 c (Step S604), and changesthe data of the measuring state corresponding to the holding position 2in the sample processing table PT with “Measured” (Step S605).Thereafter, the CPU 51 a returns the process to an invoked address ofthe sample returning process.

Thereafter, similarly to the holding positions 1 to 3, take-in of thesample container T at the holding position 4 by the second measurementunit 3, measuring of the sample at the holding position 3 by the firstmeasurement unit 2, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 3 from the first measurement unit 2, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 5 by the first measurement unit 2,measuring of the sample at the holding position 4 by the secondmeasurement unit 3, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 4 from the second measurement unit 3, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 6 by the second measurement unit 3,measuring of the sample at the holding position 5 by the firstmeasurement unit 2, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 5 from the first measurement unit 2, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 7 by the first measurement unit 2,measuring of the sample at the holding position 6 by the secondmeasurement unit 3, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 6 from the second measurement unit 3, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 8 by the second measurement unit 3,measuring of the sample at the holding position 7 by the firstmeasurement unit 2, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 7 from the first measurement unit 2, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 9 by the first measurement unit 2,measuring of the sample at the holding position 8 by the secondmeasurement unit 3, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 8 from the second measurement unit 3, take-in of the samplecontainer T at the holding position 10 by the second measurement unit 3,measuring of the sample at the holding position 9 by the firstmeasurement unit 2, returning of the sample container T at the holdingposition 9 from the first measurement unit 2, measuring of the sample atthe holding position 10 by the second measurement unit 3, and returningof the sample container T at the holding position 10 from the secondmeasurement unit 3 are performed in this order while the processes arepartially overlapped with each other.

According to the configuration as described above, while one samplecontainer T is being taken in the first measurement unit 2 (or thesecond measurement unit 3), the sample rack L is transported, and theprocesses such as returning of another sample container T, detecting theexistence of another sample container T whose sample bar-code is asubject to be read, reading the sample bar-code by the bar-code reader44, and taking another sample container T in the second measurement unit3 (or the first measurement unit 2) can be performed. Therefore,wherever one sample container T and another sample container T are heldby the sample rack L, the processes such as returning the another samplecontainer T, detecting the existence of the another sample container T,reading the sample bar-code of the another sample container T by thebar-code reader 44, and taking the another sample container T in thesecond measurement unit 3 (or the first measurement unit 2) can beperformed.

Therefore, in the sample processing apparatus 1, the bar-code readingposition 43 d and the second sample container take-out/returningposition 43 b (or the first sample container take-out/returning position43 a) can be freely disposed with respect to the first sample containertake-out/returning position 43 a (or the second sample containertake-out/returning position 43 b for taking the sample container T inthe second measurement unit 3) for taking the sample container T in thefirst measurement unit 2, and the flexibility in design of the sampleprocessing apparatus 1 is significantly increased.

In addition, according to the configuration as described above, as shownin FIG. 17, it can be known that a time is not wasted but carrying outthe take-in of the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit3 and the sample; the returning of the sample container T; the detectingof the sample container T; the reading of the sample bar-code; or themeasuring of the sample during the first measurement unit 2 starts totake in the sample at the holding position 1 and then until themeasuring of the sample at the holding position 10 is completed by thesecond measurement unit 3, so that the measurement of the sample isefficiently carried out.

In addition, the sample processing apparatus 1 is configured to carryout the detecting of the sample container T and the reading of thesample bar-code with respect to the plural holding positions of thesample rack L while carrying out the take-in of one sample by the firstmeasurement unit 2 (or the second measurement unit 3). Therefore,compared with the configuration in which the reading of theidentification information (sample ID) only with respect to the samplecontainer which is positioned at a predetermined position from theposition of the sample while one sample is taken in as in the relatedart, the process of the sample can be carried out with efficiency.

In addition, in the sample processing apparatus 1, the first samplecontainer take-out/returning position 43 a and the second samplecontainer take-out/returning position 43 b for taking the samplecontainer T in respect to the first measurement unit 2 and the secondmeasurement unit 3 also serve as the positions for returning the samplecontainer T from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurementunit 3 to the sample rack L. For this reason, there is no need toprovide the position for taking in the sample container T separatelyfrom the position for returning the sample container T, so that thesample processing apparatus 1 can be compactly configured.

In addition, the sample processing apparatus 1 is configured such thatafter the information processing unit 5 determines whether or not thefirst measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3 is in thestate where it can take in the sample, the sample rack L is transportedto the measurement unit which is in the state where it can take in thesample, and the sample container T can be taken in the measurement unit.Therefore, after the sample rack L is transported to the measurementunit, there is no need to stand by until the measurement unit comes tobe in the state where it can take in the sample, so that the sample canbe more efficiently processed.

In addition, the sample processing apparatus 1 is configured such thatwhile the sample container T is taken in the first measurement unit 2 orthe second measurement unit 3, the sample container is oscillated in thefirst measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3 so as to stirthe sample. Since the stirring of the sample takes a time about tens ofseconds, while the sample take-in process including the stirring processof the sample as described above is being performed by the firstmeasurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3, the sampleprocessing apparatus 1 can carry out the process of the sample withefficiency by transporting the sample rack L and performing the processon another sample container T which is held on the sample rack L.

(Other Embodiments)

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the sample processingapparatus 1 has been configured to be provided with two measurementunits, that is, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurementunit 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Forexample, the sample processing apparatus may be configured such thatthree or more measurement units are provided, and the sample rack L istransported so as to process another sample container while carrying outthe take-in the sample in at least one of the plural measurement units.In addition, the sample processing apparatus may be configured to beprovided with a single measurement unit.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the sample processingapparatus 1 has been described as the multiple blood cell analyzingapparatus. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Forexample, in a biological sample processing apparatus other than themultiple blood cell analyzing apparatus, such as a blood coagulationmeasuring apparatus, an immune assay analyzing apparatus, a urinematerial component analyzing apparatus, a urine qualitative analyzingapparatus, or a blood cell smear slide preparing apparatus, anothersample container in the sample rack may be processed while the samplecontainer T is being taken in the apparatus.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example has beendescribed in which when the sample container T of the sample rack L atthe first sample container take-out/returning position 43 a istaken-out, the sample rack L is transported to the second samplecontainer take-out/returning position 43 b, and as a process for anothersample container T accommodated in the sample rack L, the reading of thebar-code label BL1, the detecting of the existence of the samplecontainer T, and take-out of the sample container T for aspirating thesample by the second measurement unit 3 are performed. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the presentinvention may be applied to a case where the first measurement unit 2 isconfigured to measure the blood cells similarly to the above-mentionedembodiment, the second measurement unit 3 is configured to measure thecoagulation and fibrinolytic ability of the blood, and the samplecontainer measured by the first measurement unit 2 and the samplecontainer measured by the second measurement unit 3 are mixed in thesample rack L. In this case, the sample processing apparatus 1 may beconfigured such that when the sample container T of the sample rack Lwhich is positioned at the first sample container take-out/returningposition 43 a is taken out, the sample rack L is transported to thesecond sample container take-out/returning position 43 b, and as aprocess for another sample container T accommodated in the sample rackL, the sample container T is not taken out from the sample rack L but anaspiration pipette is inserted into the sample container T so as toaspirate the sample.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration hasbeen described such that the single computer 5 a performs all theprocesses of the computer program 54 a. However, the present inventionis not limited thereto. For example, the configuration may employ adistributed system in which the process similar to the above-mentionedcomputer program 54 a is distributed by plural apparatuses (computers)so as to be performed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration hasbeen described such that the sample is transported to the twomeasurement units 2 and 3 provided in the single sample processingapparatus 1 by the sample transport unit 4. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured suchthat two independent measuring apparatuses, in which the sampletransport units are provided respectively, are provided, the sampletransport units are connected to each other so as to form one transportline, and while the sample container is being taken in at least onemeasuring apparatus, the sample rack is transported to each measuringapparatus by the transport line, and the sample rack L is transported soas to carry out the process on the other sample container.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the informationprocessing unit 5 performs the obtaining process of the measuring orderof the sample and the sample transport controlling process of the sampleprocessing unit 4. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto. For example, the obtaining process of the measuring order ofthe sample and the sample transport controlling process of the sampleprocessing unit 4 may be performed by separated controlling sections.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the sample containerwhich is taken out from the sample rack L for the aspiration at thesample container take-out/returning position is returned to the samplerack L at the sample container take-out/returning position. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the returningposition of the sample container which is taken out from the sample rackL may be a different position from the sample containertake-out/returning position. Therefore, the take-out of the samplecontainer from the same sample rack L can be performed in parallel withthe returning of the sample container to the sample rack L, so that thesample processing capability can be further increased.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the sample containerwhich is taken out from the sample rack L for the aspiration at thesample container take-out/returning position is returned to the samesample rack L. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, the sample container which is taken out from the samplerack L may be returned to a different sample rack L.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the take-out of thesample container from the sample rack L and the returning of the samplecontainer to the sample rack L is performed by the same mechanism.However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thetake-out and the returning may be performed by plural mechanismsdifferent from each other (for example, an take-out hand and a returninghand).

What is claimed is:
 1. A sample processing apparatus comprising: anaspiration section configured to aspirate a sample from a samplecontainer; a sample container take-out/returning section configured totake out a sample container containing a sample which is to be aspiratedby the aspiration section from a sample rack holding a plurality ofsample containers, and to return the sample container from which thesample has been aspirated by the aspiration section to the sample rack;a sample processing section configured to process the sample aspiratedby the aspiration section; a transport section configured to transportthe sample rack to a take-out position to take out a sample containerfrom the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section,to a processing position to perform a predetermined process on a samplecontainer held by the sample rack, and to a returning position to returna sample container to the sample rack by the sample containertake-out/returning section; and a transport controller comprising amemory having stored thereon a program that, when executed by thetransport controller, the transport controller controls the transportsection to transport the sample rack to the take-out position to takeout one sample container from the sample rack by the sample containertake-out/returning section; transport the sample rack to the processingposition to perform the predetermined process on another samplecontainer held by the sample rack when the one sample container has beentaken out from the sample rack by the sample containertake-out/returning section; and transport the sample rack to thereturning position to return the one sample container to the sample rackby the sample container take-out/returning section after thepredetermined process has been performed on the another samplecontainer, wherein the processing position is a position different fromthe take-out position.
 2. The sample processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein, when the transport controller executes the program,the transport controller determines whether or not thetake-out/returning section is ready to take out a sample container fromthe sample rack, and controls the transport section to transport thesample rack to the take-out position when it has been determined thatthe sample container take-out/returning section is ready to take out thesample container from the sample rack.
 3. The sample processingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stirring sectionconfigured to stir the sample in the sample container which has beentaken out from the sample rack by the sample containertake-out/returning section, wherein the aspiration section aspirates thesample stirred by the stirring section from the sample container.
 4. Thesample processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising asample container detecting section configured to detect a samplecontainer in the sample rack which has been transported to theprocessing position, wherein the predetermined process includesdetecting the another sample container in the sample rack by the samplecontainer detecting section.
 5. The sample processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sample containersheld by the sample rack includes an identifier in which identificationinformation to identify a sample is recorded, wherein the sampleprocessing apparatus further comprises an identification informationobtaining section configured to obtain identification information froman identifier of a sample container held by the sample rack which hasbeen transported to the processing position, and wherein thepredetermined process includes obtaining identification information ofthe another sample container by the identification information obtainingsection.
 6. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a second aspiration section configured to aspirate asample from a sample container; a second sample containertake-out/returning section configured to take out a sample containerfrom the sample rack which is positioned at the processing position, andto return the sample container, from which a sample has been aspiratedby the second aspiration section, to the sample rack; and a secondsample processing section configured to process the sample aspirated bythe second aspiration section, wherein the predetermined processincludes taking out the another sample container from the sample rack bythe second sample container take-out/returning section.
 7. The sampleprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondaspiration section configured to aspirate a sample from a samplecontainer held by the sample rack which is positioned at the processingposition; and a second sample processing section configured to processthe sample aspirated by the second aspiration section, wherein thepredetermined process includes aspirating a sample from the anothersample container by the second aspiration section.
 8. The sampleprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample processingsection measures the sample aspirated by the aspiration section.
 9. Thesample processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the take-outposition and the processing position are provided on a transport path ofthe sample rack by the transport section.
 10. The sample processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the take-out position is same asthe returning position.
 11. The sample processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the sample container take-out/returning sectionincludes a grasping section configured to grasp a sample container, andperforms taking out a sample container from the sample rack positionedat the take-out position and returning the sample container to thesample rack by using the grasping section.
 12. The sample processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the take-out position and thereturning position are different from each other.
 13. The sampleprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample containertake-out/returning section comprises: a take-out section configure totake out the sample container from the sample rack positioned at thetake-out position; and a returning section configured to return thesample container to the sample rack positioned at the returningposition.
 14. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the sample is a biological sample which is collected from aliving body.
 15. A sample processing apparatus comprising: an aspirationsection configured to aspirate a sample from a sample container; asample container take-out/returning section configured to take out asample container containing a sample to be aspirated by the aspirationsection from a sample rack holding a plurality of sample containers, andto return the sample container from which the sample has been aspiratedby the aspiration section to the sample rack; a sample processingsection configured to process the sample aspirated by the aspirationsection; a sample container detecting section configured to detect asample container in the sample rack which has been transported to adetecting position; a transport section configured to transport thesample rack to a take-out position to take out a sample container fromthe sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section, tothe detecting position and to a returning position to return a samplecontainer to the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returningsection; and a transport controller comprising a memory having storedthereon a program that, when executed by the transport controller, thetransport controller controls the transport section to transport thesample rack to the take-out position to take out one sample containerfrom the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section;transport the sample rack to the detecting position to detect anothersample container held by the sample rack by the sample containerdetecting section when the one sample container has been taken out fromthe sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section; andtransport the sample rack to the returning position to return the onesample container to the sample rack by the sample containertake-out/returning section after the another sample container has beendetected by the sample container detecting section.
 16. The sampleprocessing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each of theplurality of sample containers held by the sample rack includes anidentifier in which identification information to identify a sample isrecorded, wherein the sample processing apparatus further comprises anidentification information obtaining section configured to obtainidentification information from an identifier of a sample container heldby the sample rack which has been transported to an identificationinformation obtaining position, wherein after the another samplecontainer is detected, the transport controller configured to controlthe transport section to transport the sample rack to the identificationinformation obtaining position to obtain identification information ofthe another sample container by the identification information obtainingsection.
 17. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 15,wherein, when the transport controller executes the program, thetransport controller determines whether or not the take-out/returningsection is ready to take out a sample container from the sample rack,and controls the transport section to transport the sample rack to thetake-out position when it has been determined that the sample containertake-out/returning section is ready to take out the sample containerfrom the sample rack.
 18. The sample processing apparatus according toclaim 15, further comprising a stirring section configured to stir thesample in the sample container which has been taken out from the samplerack by the sample container take-out/returning section, wherein theaspiration section aspirates the sample stirred by the stirring sectionfrom the sample container.
 19. The sample processing apparatus accordingto claim 15, wherein the take-out position and the detecting positionare provided on a transport path of the sample rack by the transportsection.
 20. A sample processing method of a sample processing apparatuscomprising an aspiration section, a sample container take-out/returningsection, a sample processing section, a transport section, and atransport controller, the sample processing method comprising:transporting, by the transport section, a sample rack holding aplurality of the sample containers, each sample container containing asample, to a take-out position; taking out, by the sample containertake-out/returning section, a first sample container from among theplurality of sample containers held by the sample rack positioned at thetake-out position, the first sample container containing a sample whichis to be aspirated; transporting, by the transport section, the samplerack to a processing position for performing a predetermined process ona second container from among the plurality of sample containers held bythe sample rack when the first sample container has been taken out fromthe sample rack; performing, by the sample processing section, thepredetermined process on the second sample container; aspirating, by theaspiration section, the sample from the first sample container which hasbeen taken out from the sample rack; processing, by the sampleprocessing section, the aspirated sample; transporting, by the transportsection, the sample rack to a returning position; and returning, by thesample container take-out/returning section, the first sample container,from which the sample has been aspirated, to the sample rack which ispositioned at the returning position, wherein the processing position isa position different from the take-out position.
 21. The sampleprocessing method of claim 20 further comprising: determining, by thetransport controller, whether or not the take-out/returning section isready to take out a sample container from the sample rack; andtransporting, by the transport section, the sample rack to the take-outposition when it has been determined that the sample containertake-out/returning section is ready to take out the sample containerfrom the sample rack.